Australian second-row Dan Vickerman faces a race against time to be fit in time for the Waratahs' Super Rugby season.

The 32-year-old was struggling with a shoulder injury during the World Cup and underwent surgery on Tuesday. As a result of the reconstruction, Vickerman looks set to be on the sidelines for between five and six months.

With the Waratahs due back in training on Monday, they will be without a further three of their internationals. Wycliff Palu and Drew Mitchell are both struggling with hamstring injuries while Benn Robinson is still on the comeback trail after undergoing the surgeon's knife on his knee.

And ahead of their return to pre-season training, the Waratahs have announced their 2012 Super Rugby squad: